Insect repellant-infused disposable articles

ABSTRACT

A disposable article infused with an insect repellant and method of making the same. The disposable article includes an outer, water absorbent layer, an inner, waterproof layer and an insect repellant applied to the outer layer. The disposable article can be fabric gowns, shoe-covers, leg coverings, hand coverings, arm coverings, head coverings, body coverings, face coverings, full body coverings and chuck pads. In certain embodiments, the outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bonded polypropylene. In other embodiments, the outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bonded polyester. The inner, waterproof layer can be cast polyethylene. The insect repellant can include an effective amount of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus) and essential oils alone or in combination.

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/124,466, titled Insect Repellant-Infused Disposable Articles filedDec. 16, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for itssupporting teachings.

BACKGROUND

Service providers are often required to enter homes and other spacesinfested with bedbugs and bedbug eggs. This is especially problematic inhome healthcare services as healthcare providers are often obliged tocome in close contact with bedding, furniture and other contaminatedmaterials and surfaces. Without proper protection, caregivers and otherservice providers may be reluctant to enter such environments out offear of spreading bedbugs from a patient's environment to their ownhomes, vehicles, workplaces, or other areas. This reluctance canpotentially result in reduced availability of such services orcompromised quality of the services.

A number of insect repellants have been identified as an effectivedeterrent to the spreading of bedbug. Notably, DEET(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) has shown exceptional effectiveness indeterring the transmission of bedbugs. It does not kill the bugs as itis generally of low acute toxicity. However, this low toxicity isdesirable as based on available toxicological data, normal usage doesnot present a health concern to the general U.S. population.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and essential oils such as arborvitae,cedar wood, citronella, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, apple cidervinegar, eucalyptus, bergamot, lavender, wintergreen, melaleuca androsemary alone or in combination have also been demonstrated to possessinsect repellant properties—with particularly advantageous applicationin deterring bedbug transmission. OLE and essential oils are alsoattractive as natural repellant solutions.

However, all of these repellants are known to have a corrosive effect onplastics.

As such, they are not generally viable to apply to plastic outwear thatcould be used by home healthcare providers. However, it has beendiscovered that, when used in combination with certain weaves andcombinations of plastic-based materials, DEET, OLE and essentialoil-based repellants can be applied without any visible degradation tothe materials. Thus, the present invention in its various embodimentsallows for maximum bedbug repellence without significant degradation ofthe articles to which the repellants are applied.

A second issue that must be confronted in addressing this problem iscost.

Specifically, known bedbug repellant solutions are not viable solutionsin environments where clothing must be either discarded after use or runthrough a lengthy decontamination process. The present invention in itsvarious embodiments allows healthcare workers to use new and fullypackaged treated articles for each home visit thus eliminating the riskof cross-contamination while at the same time being an affordablesolution.

All of the foregoing problems as well as others are addressed by thepresent invention in its various embodiments. It is also noted that,while the present invention is discussed with particular application inprotection from bedbugs, it is not limited to only bedbug infestedenvironments. The present invention could also be similarly utilized inspaces with other transmittable infestations including, but not limitedto, flies, mosquitos, fleas, cockroaches, mites and ticks.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a disposable article infused with an insectrepellant. The disposable article includes an outer, water absorbentlayer, an inner, waterproof layer and an insect repellant applied to theouter layer. The disposable article can be fabric gowns, shoe-covers,leg coverings, hand coverings, arm coverings, head coverings, bodycoverings, face coverings, full body coverings and chuck pads. Incertain embodiments, the outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bondedpolypropylene. In other embodiments, the outer, water absorbent layer isspun-bonded polyester. The inner, waterproof layer can be castpolyethylene. The insect repellant can include an effective amount,alone or in combination, of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), OLE (oilof lemon eucalyptus) or essential oils. Essential oils includearborvitae, cedar wood, citronella, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, applecider vinegar, eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot, lavender, wintergreen,melaleuca and rosemary, again, alone or in combination. In certainembodiments, the DEET is in concentrations of at least 30% by volume. Incertain embodiments, the OLE is in concentrations of at least 30% byvolume. In certain embodiments, the essential oils are in concentrationsof 0.18% by volume.

The insect repellant can also include picaridin in concentrations of 7%by volume or greater as well as permethrin in concentrations of 0.5% byvolume or greater; isolongifolenone in concentrations of 5% by volume orgreater; isolongifolanone concentrations of 5% by volume or greater;IR3535® in concentrations of 20% by volume or greater; and 2-undecanonein concentrations of 7.75% by volume or greater, all of the foregoingalone or in combination.

A method of infusing a disposable article with an insect repellant isalso disclosed. A disposable article having an outer, water absorbentlayer and an inner, waterproof layer is provided. An insect repellant isapplied to the outer, water absorbent layer and then dried. In oneembodiment, the outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bondedpolypropylene. In one embodiment, the outer, water absorbent layer isspun-bonded polyester. In one embodiment, the inner, waterproof layer iscast polyethylene. In one embodiment, the insect repellant includes aneffective amount, alone or in combination, of DEET(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus) or essentialoils.

In certain embodiments, DEET concentrations are at least 30% by volume.In certain embodiments, OLE concentrations are at least 30% by volume.In yet other embodiments, essential oils concentrations are at least0.18% by volume. Suitable essential oils include arborvitae, cedar wood,citronella, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, apple cider vinegar,eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot, lavender, wintergreen, melaleuca androsemary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of articles suitable for treatment under thepresent methodology.

FIG. 2 depicts bedbug repellant disposable shoe coverings according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts bedbug repellant disposable arm coverings according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts bedbug repellant disposable head coverings according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a bedbug repellant disposable body coverings according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a bedbug repellant disposable underpaid according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of packaging for a bedbug repellant article ofdisposable clothing according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

The present invention in its various embodiments comprises a disposablearticle infused with a bedbug repellant or, more generally, an insectrepellant. The disposable articles can include non-sterile disposablefabric gowns, shoe-covers, leg coverings, hand coverings, arm coverings,head coverings, body coverings, face coverings, full body coverings andchuck pads.

It has been discovered that articles having an outer, water absorbentlayer of spun-bonded polypropylene (PP) or spun-bonded polyester (PET)and an inner, waterproof layer of cast polyethylene (CPE) areparticularly well-suited for use in connection with the presentinvention. These articles are available from McKesson Corporation(Irving, Texas) and Medline Industries, Inc. (Northfield, Illinois).Despite both materials largely comprising plastics, it has been foundthat they do not experience any significant degradation or dissolutionwhen DEET, OLE and essential oil-based repellants alone or incombination with other repellants are applied. CPE and PP also happen tobe among the most common disposable fabric used in the healthcareindustry making the present discovery particularly valuable.

As noted above, DEET, OLE and essential oil-based repellants are knownto dissolve or corrode plastics. However, when applying themethodologies of the present invention, articles largely comprisingplastic materials, surprisingly show no observable adverse effects whentreated with such repellants. It is believed that the combination ofweaves in the outer layers of the articles allow them to absorbrepellants but also help prevent direct contact of the repellant withthe underlying plastics in the inner layers which would result in theirdegradation. Thus, the present combination of materials and repellantsallows for maximum bedbug repellence without significant degradation ofthe articles.

In certain embodiments, the outer layer can also include polyestermeshes and traditional porous fabrics such as wool, cotton, ramie, flax,bamboo, hemp and flannel alone or in combination. The two-layeredmaterials used in the treated articles can be created by a variety ofknown techniques including, but not limited to, laminating or coating.

As discussed above, DEET, OLE and essential oil-based repellants arehighly effective repellants for bedbugs. DEET is generally believed tobe optimal in this capacity at concentrations of at least 30% by volume.However, the present invention is not limited to the specificconcentration. Rather, any concentration of DEET, alone or incombination with other repellants, that acts as a deterrent to bedbugtransmission, is considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

Similarly, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is optimal in this capacity atconcentrations of at least 30% by volume. However, the present inventionis not limited to the specific concentration. Rather, any concentrationof OLE, alone or in combination with other repellants, that acts as adeterrent to bedbug transmission, is considered to be within the scopeof the present invention.

Likewise, essential oils are optimal in this capacity at concentrationsof 0.18%. However, the present invention is not limited to the specificconcentration. Rather, any concentration of essential oils, alone or incombination with other repellants, that acts as a deterrent to bedbugtransmission, is considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

Other known repellants can also be incorporated into the presentinvention in combination with DEET, OLE or essential oils. Theseinclude, but are not limited to, the following alone or in combination:

-   -   1) Picaridin concentrations of 7% by volume or greater;    -   2) Permethrin concentrations of 0.5% by volume or greater;    -   3) Isolongifolenone concentrations of 5% by volume or greater;    -   4) Isolongifolanone concentrations of 5% by volume or greater;    -   5) IR3535® available from Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany)        concentrations of 20% by volume or greater; and    -   6) 2-undecanone concentrations of 7.75% by volume or greater.

In certain embodiments, the repellant may also include up to 65%p-menthane-3,8-diol by volume, again, alone or in combination with otherrepellants.

The insect repellant can be applied to the articles of disposableclothing in a variety of ways including, but not limited to directtopical application such as atomizing, spraying, brushing, coatingdipping, drenching, dripping, infusing, pouring, rolling on, spreadingor wiping. Depending on the desired level of coverage, each of thesemethods could be used alone or in combination.

As depicted in FIG. 1 , the methodology described herein can be appliedto a variety of articles including, but not limited to a head cap 112,arm sleeves 114, a full body suit 116, pants 118, hoods 120, under pads122 and shirts 124.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of treated two-layer knee-length shoecoverings 100, 200. In both embodiments, a hybrid substrate is providedhaving an inner layer 102 of cast polyethylene (CPE) and an outer layer104 of spun-bonded propylene (PP). The outer layer 104 is, in thisembodiment, infused with a repellant comprising approximately 30% byvolume distilled water, 5% by volume isolongifolanone, 5% by volumeisolongifolenone and approximately 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus and 30%DEET. The repellant is applied by either a spray and dry method or a dipand dry method. In the embodiment depicted at 100, the repellant isapplied as a band 106. In the embodiment depicted at 200, the repellant108 is fully applied to the outer surfaces of the article excluding thesole—which in this illustration includes one or more latex grip patterns110. An elastic band 111 can also be included to minimize the potentialof breaches.

Other repellant concentrations suitable for use with the present exampleand in connection with the present invention also include a) 30% Oil ofLemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5% DEET, 5% Isolonifolenoneand 90% Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5% Isolongifolanone and 90%Distilled Water; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridin and 88% Distilled Water;e) and a mix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92% Distilled Water.

FIG. 3 illustrates treated two-layer arm coverings 300, 400. Untreatedcoverings depicted generally at 301 are also shown for illustrationpurposes. In both embodiments, a hybrid substrate is provided having aninner layer 302 of cast polyethylene (CPE) and an outer layer 304 ofspun-bonded propylene (PP). The outer layer 304 is, in this embodiment,infused with a repellant comprising approximately 30% Distilled Water,5% by volume isolongifolanone, 5% by volume isolongifolenone andapproximately 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus and 30% DEET. The repellant isapplied by either a spray and dry method or a dip and dry method. In theembodiment depicted at 300, the repellant is applied as two horizontallyoriented bands 306. In the embodiment depicted at 400, the repellant isapplied as a plurality of diagonally oriented bands 308. Other repellantconcentrations suitable for use with the present example and inconnection with the present invention also include a) 30% Oil of LemonEucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5% DEET, 5% Isolonifolenone and 90%Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5% Isolongifolanone and 90% DistilledWater; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridin and 88% Distilled Water; e) and amix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92% Distilled Water.

FIG. 4 illustrates treated two-layer head coverings 500, 600. Anuntreated covering depicted generally at 501 is also shown forillustration purposes. In both embodiments, a hybrid substrate isprovided having an inner layer 502 of cast polyethylene (CPE) and anouter layer 504 of spun-bonded propylene (PP). The outer layer 504 is,in these embodiments, infused with a repellant comprising approximately30% Distilled Water, 5% by volume isolongifolanone, 5% by volumeisolongifolenone and approximately 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus and 30%DEET. The repellant is applied by either a spray and dry method or a dipand dry method. In the embodiment depicted at 500, the repellant isapplied as a horizontally oriented band 506. In the embodiment depictedat 600, the repellant 508 is fully applied to the outer surfaces of thearticle excluding an elastic band 510 at the face opening. Otherrepellant concentrations suitable for use with the present example andin connection with the present invention also include a) 30% Oil ofLemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5% DEET, 5% Isolonifolenoneand 90% Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5% Isolongifolanone and 90%Distilled Water; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridin and 88% Distilled Water;e) and a mix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92% Distilled Water.

FIG. 5 illustrates treated two-layer full body covering 700. Anuntreated covering depicted generally at 701 is also shown forillustration purposes. A hybrid substrate is provided having an innerlayer 702 of cast polyethylene (CPE) and an outer layer 704 ofspun-bonded propylene (PP). The outer layer 704 is, in this embodiment,infused with a repellant comprising approximately 30% Distilled Water,5% by volume isolongifolanone, 5% by volume isolongifolenone andapproximately 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus and 30% DEET. The repellant isapplied by either a spray and dry method or a dip and dry method. In theillustrated embodiment, the repellant is discretely applied to the arms706, legs and feet 708 and a collar section 710. It is however notedthat the repellant could also be applied to the entire outer surface ofthe article or substantially the entire outer surface. Other repellantconcentrations suitable for use with the present example and inconnection with the present invention also include a) 30% Oil of LemonEucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5% DEET, 5% Isolonifolenone and 90%Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5% Isolongifolanone and 90% DistilledWater; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridin and 88% Distilled Water; e) and amix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92% Distilled Water.

FIG. 6 depicts a bedbug repellant disposable underpad 800 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the clothingarticles discussed above, a hybrid substrate is provided having a bottomlayer of cast polyethylene (CPE) (not visible) and an upper layer 804 ofspun-bonded propylene (PP). The upper layer 804 is infused with arepellant comprising approximately 30% Distilled Water, 5% by volumeisolongifolanone, 5% by volume isolongifolenone and approximately 30%oil of lemon eucalyptus and 30% DEET. The repellant is applied by eithera spray and dry method or a dip and dry method. In the illustratedembodiment, the repellant is applied around the edges 802 of theunderpaid 800 leaving the absorptive pad 803 untreated. It is noted thatin certain embodiments the repellant could be applied only a portion ofthe edges 802. For example, in one embodiment, only three edges aretreated in whole or in part. In other embodiments, two edges are treatedin whole or in part. In yet other embodiments, only one edge is treatedin whole or in part. In the illustrated embodiment, the repellanttreatment extends substantially to the absorptive pad 803. However, inother embodiments, the repellant treatment may only extend partway tothe absorptive pad. An untreated underpaid 801 is also shown forillustration purposes. Other repellant concentrations suitable for usewith the present example and in connection with the present inventionalso include a) 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5%DEET, 5% Isolonifolenone and 90% Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5%Isolongifolanone and 90% Distilled Water; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridinand 88% Distilled Water; e) and a mix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92%Distilled Water.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the insect repellant may onlyneed to be applied to a portion of the treated article. For example, asingle band of repellant applied to one's clothing can be sufficient torepel bed bugs. This limited application is valuable in that it allowsfor considerably less repellant to be used thereby minimizing costs aswell as potential repellant side effects on the wearer and those nearby.However, the precise location and size of the treated areas could beadapted depending on need and circumstances and all patterns andcoverages are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

As discussed above, one advantage to the present invention is that itallows a single, protective and bedbug repellant article to be wornonce, at a single location, and then discarded. Upon arriving at asecond location, a new treated article can be opened and used. Bearingthat advantage in mind, disposable packaging is also advantageous foruse with the present invention. FIG. 7 depicts suitable productpackaging according to one embodiment. It is noted that proper andimmediate packaging after treatment is important as it allows maximumcapture of the repellant after application and maximum longevity of thearticles after opening.

In this embodiment, the packaging is a pouch 800 that can be torn openat perforation 802. The pouch 800 is two-layered with the outer layerbeing 804 polymer plastic and the inner layer 806 being aluminum foil.In this embodiment, the pouch 800 should be effectively impermeable togas and liquid with permeability of 25 um or less. Pouch 800 can alsoinclude a zip closure mechanism 808 allowing it to be resealed for safedisposal of treated article once used. Disposable PE gloves 810 can beincluded to reduce direct contact with the treated article by the user.Pouch 800 can also include a source designation and product description812.

In one embodiment, where the disposable clothing article is sprayed withrepellant, the application would be for approximately 3-5 seconds anddried for up to thirty minutes. After drying, the article could bepackaged in such non-permeable packaging to lock in effectiveness untilopened. Once opened, the article offers approximately two to three hoursof effective repellency.

It is noted that, while the present invention discussed above relatesprimarily to articles of disposable clothing, other items widely used inthe home healthcare industry can also be treated in like manner addingto the overall suite of products that protect a healthcare worker frominfestation. For example, in certain situations, the healthcare workermust put supplies on surfaces that could result in cross-infestation. Byincluding treated chuck pads or other similar layers, the worker have anadded barrier between an infested furniture item and his or her nursingbag, field tablet, personal items like car keys, wallet, etc. and othertools of the trade. As depicted in FIG. 6 , the disposable pad isconstructed in a way that the edges of the pad are infused whileproviding a repellant free center area to place personal items so thatwhen done everything has been protected from bedbugs but doesn't end upcoming in direct contact with the repellants.

EXAMPLE 1

A bedbug repellant article of clothing according to one embodiment wasconstructed utilizing the following: The substrate included an outerlayer of spun-bonded polypropylene (PP) and an inner layer of castpolyethylene. The outer layer of the substrate was infused by sprayingthe repellant for three seconds directly followed by a briefthirty-minute drying period. The substrate can, with equaleffectiveness, be dipped in the repellant again with a brief dryingperiod. Once dried, the treated substrate is quickly packed in anon-permeable aluminum-lined polymer to avoid losing effectiveness. Onceopened, the product acts as an effective repellant for approximately twoto three hours. The repellant concentrations are as follows: 30%Distilled Water, 5% isolongifolanone by volume; 5% isolongifolenone byvolume; 30% refined oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) (Citriodiol) byvolume; and 30% DEET. It was demonstrated that such infused articles,when worn over regular clothing had no noticeable adverse effect on suchclothing or accessories. Other repellant concentrations suitable for usewith the present example and in connection with the present inventionalso include a) 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5%DEET, 5% Isolonifolenone and 90% Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5%Isolongifolanone and 90% Distilled Water; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridinand 88% Distilled Water; e) and a mix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92%Distilled Water.

EXAMPLE 2

A bedbug repellant disposable underpaid (“chucks pad”) according to oneembodiment was constructed utilizing the following: The substrateincluded an outer layer of spun-bonded polypropylene (PP), an underlayer of cast polyethylene, and an absorbent layer comprised ofsuperabsorbent polymer (SAP) and cellulose fluff pulp. The edges of theouter layer of the substrate were infused by spraying the repellant for3 seconds directly followed by a brief 30 minute drying period. Oncedried, the treated substrate is quickly packed in a non-permeablealuminum lined polymer to avoid losing effectiveness. Once opened, theproduct acts as an effective repellant for approximately two to threehours. The repellant concentrations are as follows: 30% Distilled Water,5% isolongifolanone by volume; 5% isolongifolenone by volume; 30%refined oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) (Citriodiol) by volume; and 30%DEET. It was demonstrated that such disposable under pads, when placedon tables, beds, couches and chairs, carpets, and other variousfurniture had no noticeable effect on such items. Other repellantconcentrations suitable for use with the present example and inconnection with the present invention also include a) 30% Oil of LemonEucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water; b) 5% DEET, 5% Isolonifolenone and 90%Distilled Water; c) 5% DEET, 5% Isolongifolanone and 90% DistilledWater; and d) 5% DEET, 7% Picaridin and 88% Distilled Water; e) and amix of 1.08% Essential Oils and 98.92% Distilled Water.

VARIATIONS

While the present invention has been discussed in connectionparticularly with the home healthcare industry, it is not intended to belimited to such applications. The present invention has utility in avariety of other industries including but not limited to hotels, motelsand other hospitality services, housekeeping and house cleaningservices, pest control services and janitorial services.

In other embodiments, the clothing articles could include a lining underthe treated fabric. This prevents the repellant from rubbing off ontothe user's primary clothing or skin, which in turn allows the inventionto be a completely self-contained solution. Elastic cinches could alsobe included where the fabric ends allowing for easy securing ofpotential breach points. Buttons and clips could also be included,allowing various articles of treated clothing to attach to each other,again securing potential breach points.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of infusing a disposable article with aninsect repellant comprising the steps of: a) providing the disposablearticle, wherein the disposable article comprises an outer, waterabsorbent layer and an inner, waterproof layer, wherein the outer, waterabsorbent layer is spun-bonded polyester; b) applying the insectrepellant to the outer, water absorbent layer; c) drying the insectrepellant.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner, waterproof layeris cast polyethylene.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the insectrepellant includes an effective amount of one or more repellantsselected from the group consisting of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus) and essential oils.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the insect repellant includes DEET in concentrations of atleast 30% by volume.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the insectrepellant includes OLE in concentrations of at least 30% by volume. 6.The method of claim 3, wherein the insect repellant includes essentialoils in concentrations of at least 0.18% by volume.
 7. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the essential oils are selected from the groupconsisting of arborvitae, cedar wood, citronella, lemongrass, lemon,peppermint, apple cider vinegar, eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot,lavender, wintergreen, melaleuca and rosemary alone or in combination.8. The method of claim 1, wherein the insect repellant includes one ormore repellants selected from the group consisting of: picaridin inconcentrations of 7% by volume or greater; permethrin in concentrationsof 0.5% by volume or greater; isolongifolenone in concentrations of 5%by volume or greater; isolongifolanone concentrations of 5% by volume orgreater; IR3535® in concentrations of 20% by volume or greater;2-undecanone in concentrations of 7.75% by volume or greater.
 9. Amethod of infusing a disposable article with an insect repellant,wherein the insect repellant includes DEET in concentrations of at least30% by volume, comprising the steps of: a) providing the disposablearticle, wherein the disposable article comprises an outer, waterabsorbent layer and an inner, waterproof layer; b) applying the insectrepellant to the outer, water absorbent layer; c) drying the insectrepellant.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the outer, water absorbentlayer is spun-bonded polypropylene.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinthe outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bonded polyester.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the inner, waterproof layer is castpolyethylene.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the insect repellantincludes an effective amount of one or more repellants selected from thegroup consisting of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) OLE (oil of lemoneucalyptus) and essential oils.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theinsect repellant includes OLE in concentrations of at least 30% byvolume.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the insect repellantincludes essential oils in concentrations of at least 0.18% by volume.16. The method of claim 13, wherein the essential oils are selected fromthe group consisting of arborvitae, cedar wood, citronella, lemongrass,lemon, peppermint, apple cider vinegar, eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot,lavender, wintergreen, melaleuca and rosemary alone or in combination.17. The method of claim 9, wherein the insect repellant further includesone or more secondary repellants selected from the group consisting of:picaridin in concentrations of 7% by volume or greater; permethrin inconcentrations of 0.5% by volume or greater; isolongifolenone inconcentrations of 5% by volume or greater; isolongifolanoneconcentrations of 5% by volume or greater; IR3535® in concentrations of20% by volume or greater; 2-undecanone in concentrations of 7.75% byvolume or greater.
 18. A method of infusing a disposable article with aninsect repellant, wherein the insect repellant includes essential oilsin concentrations of at least 0.18% by volume, comprising the steps of:a) providing the disposable article, wherein the disposable articlecomprises an outer, water absorbent layer and an inner, waterprooflayer; b) applying the insect repellant to the outer, water absorbentlayer; c) drying the insect repellant.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bonded polypropylene.20. The method of claim 18, wherein the outer, water absorbent layer isspun-bonded polyester.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the inner,waterproof layer is cast polyethylene.
 22. The method of claim 18wherein the insect repellant includes an effective amount of one or morerepellants selected from the group consisting of DEET(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus) and essentialoils.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the insect repellant includesDEET in concentrations of at least 30% by volume.
 24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the insect repellant includes OLE in concentrations ofat least 30% by volume.
 25. The method of claim 18, wherein theessential oils are selected from the group consisting of arborvitae,cedar wood, citronella, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, apple cidervinegar, eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot, lavender, wintergreen,melaleuca and rosemary alone or in combination.
 26. The method of claim18, wherein the insect repellant further includes one or more secondaryrepellants selected from the group consisting of: picaridin inconcentrations of 7% by volume or greater; permethrin in concentrationsof 0.5% by volume or greater; isolongifolenone in concentrations of 5%by volume or greater; isolongifolanone concentrations of 5% by volume orgreater; IR3535® in concentrations of 20% by volume or greater;2-undecanone in concentrations of 7.75% by volume or greater.
 27. Amethod of infusing a disposable article with an insect repellant,wherein the insect repellant includes one or more repellants selectedfrom the group consisting of: picaridin in concentrations of 7% byvolume or greater; permethrin in concentrations of 0.5% by volume orgreater; isolongifolenone in concentrations of 5% by volume or greater;isolongifolanone concentrations of 5% by volume or greater; IR3535® inconcentrations of 20% by volume or greater; 2-undecanone inconcentrations of 7.75% by volume or greater, comprising the steps of:a) providing the disposable article, wherein the disposable articlecomprises an outer, water absorbent layer and an inner, waterprooflayer; b) applying the insect repellant to the outer, water absorbentlayer; c) drying the insect repellant.
 28. The method of claim 27,wherein the outer, water absorbent layer is spun-bonded polypropylene.29. The method of claim 27, wherein the outer, water absorbent layer isspun-bonded polyester.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the inner,waterproof layer is cast polyethylene.
 31. The method of claim 27wherein the insect repellant further includes an effective amount of oneor more repellants selected from the group consisting of DEET(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus) and essentialoils.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the insect repellant includesDEET in concentrations of at least 30% by volume.
 33. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the insect repellant includes OLE in concentrations ofat least 30% by volume.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the insectrepellant includes essential oils in concentrations of at least 0.18% byvolume.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the essential oils areselected from the group consisting of arborvitae, cedar wood,citronella, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, apple cider vinegar,eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot, lavender, wintergreen, melaleuca androsemary alone or in combination.